The Burleigh Bears put a tough few weeks behind them to post a confidence boosting 28-12 win over the Central Queensland Capras at Pizzey Park earlier today.
It wasn’t the prettiest game of football, but it was exactly the result the Bears needed after a tough month.
“I think we took a real confidence hit after the Townsville game,” Bears coach Jim Lenihan said.
“We’re still probably fragile a little bit, but we’ve just got to keep working on doing things well, work hard at training and start banking that confidence once again.
“We’ve got to start learning to believe in ourselves once again and make sure that we can do things well and not read into what’s been said about us.”
Burleigh started well with Connor Broadhurst crossing out wide inside the opening 10 minutes.
Kevin Gordon extended the lead to 10 shortly after when he picked up the scraps of a spilled bomb.
The Capras hit back in the 30th minute when Mark Johnstone cut the Bears open on the blindside to put Dan Randall over for a try.
A trademark charge from Josh Ailaomai on the stroke of halftime ensured the Bears finished the half with a 16-6 lead and momentum on their side.
The Bears were at it again straight after the break as Ryley Jacks went short to Tyler Chadburn who showed great determination to drag a couple of Capras over the line with him for a 22-6 lead.
Central Queensland, who were fighting to avoid their 11th straight loss, showed signs of life when prop Gavin Hiscox crashed over from close range, but it was short-lived as Burleigh’s Tom Rowles combined with Mark Ioane to seal the game for the home side 10 minutes later.
Fullback Chadburn was named man of the match while Gordon also shined in the backline.
Burleigh’s forwards packed plenty of punch as well and were led by Ailaomai whose charges were ferocious all afternoon.
Another bright spot for the Bears was the Cup debut of Marino Allen who came off the bench to play at dummy half.
Allen has come through the Burleigh Colts system and his elevation to the top team is a nod to the future.
“He’s a kid that has come through our Burleigh system, was really good in our 20s last year and it’s good to show that everybody has an opportunity here at Burleigh,” Lenihan said.
“If you play well and you come through the grades, well done.
“It’s good to see Mudsy get a go and it’s good for the older boys to have someone out there to watch over and protect.
“We’re looking to help these blokes get their first game of Intrust Super Cup and get an opportunity.”
Earlier in the day Burleigh’s Colts defeated Ipswich 32-12.
BURLEIGH BEARS 28 (Tyler Chadburn, Connor Broadhurst, Kevin Gordon, Mark Ioane, Josh Ailaomai tries; Tyler Chadburn 4 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 12 (Dan Randall, Gavin Hiscox tries; Matt Minto 2 goals) at Pizzey Park.
Final Teams
Burleigh Bears: 1. Tyler Chadburn 2. Connor Broadhurst 3. Jaiden Hawkes 4. Dimitri Pelo 5. Kevin Gordon 6. Connor Toia 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Mitch Sharp 9. Tom Rowles 10. Mark Ioane 11. Ayden Lee 12. Louis Fanene 13. Darren Griffiths (c) 14. Marino Allen 16. Jason Chan 17. Josh Ailaomai 20. David Hala
CQ Capras: 20. Clinton Mooney (for 1. Javarn White) 25. Jake Ainsworth 3. Tarrant Mariner 4. Dan Randall 5. Hayden Buckman 6. Matt Minto 7. Mark Johnstone 9. Josh Mitchell 10. Gavin Hiscox 11. Garrett Field 12. Guy Williams (c) 13. Ian Webster 14. Reece Baker 15. Dean McAdam 16. Corbyn Kilday 17. Rajan Opetaia-Halls 19. Josh Johnston
